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Fascinating documentary, as far as it goes. Renowned London-based street art (aka graffiti) artist Banksy directed this account of how Los Angeles shop owner and street art aficionado Thierry Guetta parlayed his love of clandestine guerrilla artwork – and about a thousand miles of taped footage of taggers in action over the years – into a career as a high-profile, high-priced artist in his own right, known as Mr. Brain Wash. Irony runs riot. Depending on how much of it we believe, Guetta’s images are either a priceless record of a never-to-be-repeated art movement, or just another LA hustle. Biggest mystery of all: How Banksy transmogrified from documentary subject to director of the Mr. Brain Wash movie. Featuring artists Shepard Fairey, Banksy, and others in the throes of creation (87 min.).
ByKelly Vance